Fort Lee NJ Dentist Provides Subtle Restoration for Your Smile
At Anderson Dental, our Fort Lee NJ dentist offers advanced dental care to restore the beauty and function of your smile. For patients with mild to moderate tooth decay or cracked teeth that don’t require a full crown, dental inlays and onlays provide an excellent, conservative alternative. These custom-made restorations are crafted from durable materials like porcelain, composite resin, or even gold, and are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are used to repair the damage that’s too significant for a standard filling but not extensive enough to require a crown. The key difference between the two is their placement. Inlays are bonded within the center of a tooth, while onlays extend beyond the center to cover one or more cusps (the raised portions) of the tooth. These restorations are particularly effective for rear teeth that endure significant chewing forces.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
• Natural Appearance: One of the main advantages of inlays and onlays is their natural tooth-like appearance. Since they’re custom-made to match your tooth color, they’re virtually invisible, unlike metal fillings. This ensures that your smile looks as natural as possible.
• Stable and Comfortable Fit: Unlike metal fillings, which can expand or contract with temperature changes, inlays and onlays remain stable, providing a snug fit. This reduces the risk of leaks or discomfort, making them a long-lasting and comfortable option.
• Longevity: When you visit our Fort Lee NJ dentist office for inlays or onlays, you’re choosing a durable solution. These restorations can last up to 30 years with proper care, significantly outlasting traditional fillings.
• Minimal Tooth Structure Removal: One of the most significant benefits of inlays and onlays is that they require the removal of minimal tooth structure. This means more of your healthy tooth remains intact, preserving your natural smile while addressing decayed or damaged areas.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure
Getting inlays and onlays usually requires two appointments. During the first visit, our Fort Lee NJ dentist will carefully clean the affected tooth and take an impression. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom inlay or onlay is created to precisely fit your tooth.
While you wait for the permanent restoration to be made, we will place a temporary inlay or onlay to protect the tooth. At your second visit, the temporary restoration is removed, and your permanent inlay or onlay is bonded securely to your tooth. This restoration not only strengthens the tooth but also restores its natural look and function.
Why Choose Anderson Dental?
At our practice, our Fort Lee NJ dentist is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care tailored to your needs. Whether you're in need of inlays, onlays, or other restorative treatments, we focus on delivering results that enhance both the health and appearance of your smile.
If you’re looking for a conservative yet effective solution for tooth restoration, inlays and onlays might be the right choice for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can restore your smile with these advanced treatments.